Background
His father Ludwig M. E. Rellstab was a professor of physics and electronics, who in 1914 became chief engineer at Siemens & Halske.
His father Ludwig M. E. Rellstab was a professor of physics and electronics, who in 1914 became chief engineer at Siemens & Halske.
Rellstab came from a distinguished family of academics and musicians. He played for West Germany three times in the Chess Olympiad. In 1950, at fourth board in 9th Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik (+3 −2 =6);
In 1952, at second reserve board in 10th Chess Olympiad in Helsinki (+5 −1 =3);
In 1954, at fourth board in 11th Chess Olympiad in Amsterdam (+2 −2 =2).
Rellstab was awarded the International Master (IM) title in 1950 and the International Arbiter (Iowa) title in 1951.
He was German Champion, winning at Bad Oeynhausen 1942. He took 8th in the (unofficial) European Championship at Munich 1942 (Alexander Alekhine won). In 1943, he took 6th in Salzburg (Paul Keres and Alekhine won). In 1943, he took 5th in Vienna (10th GER-church Josef Lokvenc won). Rellstab represented Germany at fifth board in the Munich 1936 unofficial Olympiad, and won two bronze medals (team and individual). He won the individual gold medal at Helsinki 1952 and team bronze medal at Dubrovnik 1950.
